Ozarks musician Molly Healey selected to perform as ambassador in Japan

The Springfield Sister Cities Association has selected local musician Molly Healey to serve as ambassador and featured performer in Springfield’s sister city of Isesaki, Japan this September. Healey will visit multiple Japanese cities, stay with an Isesaki family, attend official ceremonies, and perform at Isesaki’s annual citywide festival.

“Molly embodies the spirit of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration that is at the heart of our mission,” said Sister Cities executive director Lisa Bakerink. “Her performance at Isesaki’s city festival is not just a showcase of her musical talent but also a bridge between communities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation across borders. We’re confident that Molly’s music will resonate with the people of Isesaki and continue the tradition of peace through people.”

Sister Cities funds a portion of Healey's trip costs and helps fundraise the remaining expenses. Healey will host her first concert fundraiser at Tie and Timber on Friday, August 9 at 7 p.m. Admission is $5, and all tips and donations will benefit Healey's trip to Japan. Donors can make tax-deductible contributions at peacethroughpeople.org/molly.

A longtime fiddle player for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Healey began her solo career in 2015 after purchasing a loop pedal. From there, she became an experimental songwriting powerhouse, playing a variety of instruments including cello, violin, piano, and guitar while experimenting with other sounds.

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Healey continues to play the fiddle for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, the Lacewings, and the Kay Brothers and frequently does session work with artists across the state of Missouri. Healey is also the co-organizer of Earth Day: The Festival, an annual music festival that raises funds for local environmental organizations.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit peacethroughpeople.org/molly.

About Springfield Sister Cities Association

Springfield Sister Cities Association is a nonprofit organization encouraging goodwill between the people of Springfield and its sister cities by creating and promoting opportunities to foster multi-cultural awareness and appreciation. Springfield has sister city relationships with Isesaki, Japan (formed in 1986) and Tlaquepaque, Mexico (formed in 2003). The Sister Cities vision is “Peace Through People.”

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozarks musician Molly Healey chosen to perform as ambassador in Japan